Coming Home: The Transformative Gift of the Janet & William Ellery James Collection

The Cape Ann Museum (CAM) announces the transformative commitment by Janet and William Ellery “Wilber” James of Palm Beach, Florida to gift their exceptional collection of Cape Ann American art – a donation that constitutes the largest single gift of works in the Cape Ann Museum’s 148-year history.

The collection spotlight is now on view through December 31, 2023.

This landmark donation of over 300 exemplary pieces of American art brings new genres and masterworks to the Museum’s holdings, including pivotal pieces by Winslow Homer, George Aarons, Cecilia Beaux, Stuart Davis, Adolph Gottlieb, Marsden Hartley, Eric Hudson, Anna Hyatt Huntington, Paul Manship and Jane Peterson amongst numerous others.

The James’s announcement is being marked with a display of 33 pieces on view through December 31, 2023 in an exhibition Coming Home: Selections from the Janet & William Ellery James Collection. This exhibit and the accompanying catalog marks an inaugural opportunity to showcase highlights from this superlative collection, and to present the James’s vision and commitment to the arts to the broader community.